BAWA Bali Animal Welfare: Protecting and Empowering Bali’s Animals for a Better Future

The Bali Animal Welfare Association, commonly known as BAWA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals in Bali. Founded in 2007 by animal advocate Janice Girardi, BAWA focuses on providing rescue services, medical care, and essential resources to the island’s animals, particularly dogs and cats. With a mission to protect Bali’s unique animals and ensure their health and well-being, BAWA has grown into one of the most impactful organizations in Bali’s animal welfare sector.

Why Their Work is Vital in Bali

Bali has a large stray animal population, especially of dogs and cats. Many animals roam the streets without adequate food, shelter, or medical care. The lack of sterilization services has led to overpopulation, while rabies and other diseases pose risks to both animals and humans. They tackle these issues through comprehensive programs, including sterilization, rabies vaccination, and community education.

Key Programs and Services

• 24/7 Emergency Hotline and Animal Ambulance: They operate a 24-hour emergency hotline and ambulance service, providing immediate assistance to injured or abandoned animals across Bali. Their quick response team handles hundreds of emergency cases annually, ensuring that animals in distress receive timely care.
• Sterilization and Vaccination Programs: Their sterilization program is essential for controlling the population of stray dogs and cats in Bali. Each year, they sterilize over 4,000 animals, significantly reducing the number of homeless pets. In partnership with local authorities, BAWA also administers rabies vaccinations, helping control the spread of this deadly virus and protect both animals and the community.
• Community Education and Advocacy: Education is at the heart of BAWA’s mission. Through in-school programs and community workshops, they educate locals on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and rabies prevention. Their advocacy efforts also push for stronger laws to protect animals from abuse and neglect, aiming to foster a compassionate attitude toward Bali’s animal population.
• Disaster Relief and Response Team: BAWA’s disaster relief team is dedicated to helping animals affected by emergencies, such as natural disasters. In times of crisis, they will provide food, medical care, and shelter for animals. During the 2017 Mount Agung eruption, BAWA played a crucial role in rescuing and caring for pets left behind by evacuees.
• Program Dharma and Animal Health Days: Through Program Dharma, they provide regular Animal Health Days in Bali’s rural villages. This initiative offers free sterilization, vaccinations, and medical treatment for stray animals, directly benefiting underserved communities. Animal Health Days reduce the risk of disease spread and improve animal welfare by ensuring animals are healthy and vaccinated.

Current Challenges and Government Policies

Despite BAWA’s efforts, Bali’s animal welfare challenges remain significant. Thousands of stray and abandoned animals still roam the streets, facing risks of disease, hunger, and mistreatment. Although BAWA’s sterilization programs have made a difference, they continue to advocate for more supportive government policies to protect Bali’s indigenous canine population, particularly the Bali dog.

Statistics on Bali’s Animal Population

Bali’s stray dog and cat populations are vast, and many animals are vulnerable to disease, malnutrition, and abuse. The island’s rabies cases pose a significant public health risk. However, their extensive rabies vaccination efforts have led to marked improvements in both animal and human health outcomes. Still, without consistent sterilization and vaccination programs, population control remains a challenge.

Louie’s Climb for BAWA: Community Support in Action

A couple of years back now, our son Lou, took on the challenge of climbing Mount Batur to raise funds for BAWA. This inspiring act not only raised money but also increased awareness about the organization’s work. Louie’s climb, featured in the video below, serves as a reminder of the power of community support in making a positive impact. https://www.youtube.com/embed/PGaxtPQs7V0

How You Can Support

• Donate: Your donations support their rescue operations, medical treatments, and educational outreach.
• Adopt or Foster: BAWA rescues many animals that are available for adoption or fostering, giving them a second chance at life.
• Volunteer: Hands-on help with animal care, education, and community outreach is invaluable.
• Fundraise: Organize a fundraiser or event, just like Louie’s climb, to help raise awareness and funds for BAWA’s programs.

Visit BAWA’s official website for more information on how to support their mission. Every contribution counts toward building a compassionate and humane environment for Bali’s animals.

Conclusion: Join BAWA in Making a Difference

The Bali Animal Welfare Association is a lifeline for thousands of animals on the island. Founded by Janice Girardi, BAWA works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect animals, as well as educate the community. By supporting them, you become part of a meaningful movement that is creating lasting change for Bali’s animals.